This afternoon, the Ministry of National Defense held a ceremony to present the President’s decision and the Minister of National Defense’s appointment orders to three officers assigned to United Nations peacekeeping duties under the UNISFA mission in the Abyei region.

Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Quoc An, an officer at the Military Logistics Research Institute under the General Department of Logistics and Technology, will replace Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan as a logistics staff officer, starting on July 27.

Major Ngo Quoc Cuong, from the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, will take over from Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Duc Doanh as an operations staff officer, with deployment scheduled for August 24.

Captain Pham Phu Hai, also from the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, will replace Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thi Lien as a civil-military coordination staff officer, with deployment planned for August 17.

Major General Pham Manh Thang, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, noted that all preparations for the departing officers were carried out thoroughly and comprehensively.

The department worked closely with relevant units within and outside the Ministry of National Defense to ensure logistical support and proper policies for the officers, helping them feel secure in their mission.

All three officers demonstrated strong resolve, readiness, and pride in representing the Vietnam People's Army in this international mission. They have completed all required UN training programs, including the Pre-deployment Training, UN Staff Officer Course, UN Logistics Officer Course, and the UN Military Observer Course.

Notably, Major Ngo Quoc Cuong and Captain Pham Phu Hai have both previously completed missions at UN peacekeeping operations, giving them valuable experience that will ease their reintegration into the work environment upon deployment.

Assigning the mission, Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, instructed the officers to strictly adhere to the foreign policy directions of the Party, State, and Army. He emphasized discipline, compliance with UN regulations, the laws of the host country, and guidance from relevant agencies and the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring absolute safety of personnel and equipment in a multinational environment. Upon deployment, the officers must swiftly grasp local dynamics, maintain determination, overcome hardships, and apply their training effectively to fulfill their responsibilities.

Their service is expected to showcase the character and resolve of the “Uncle Ho’s soldiers,” promoting the positive image of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people, and the military on the international stage. It also contributes to the national defense strategy of safeguarding the country early and from afar through peaceful means.

On this occasion, General Tan also instructed the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations to continue strengthening its recruitment and preparation of personnel, ensuring strict adherence to protocols and readiness to meet the requirements of future deployments.

Tran Thuong